Day 1 You’ll See:
Day 2 You’ll See:
Day 3 You’ll See:
El Paso offers your group so much to see and do, from astonishing local history to amazing mountainside views. Spend your 3-day vacation exploring historic sites, local entertainment attractions, and natural wonders, making memories and learning all along the way.
1
Ascarate Park
Start your visit off right at Ascarate Park, the local park that is 'dedicated to sports, picnicking, fishing, and other recreational activities', featuring a 48-acre surface lake and an 18 hole, 72 par golf course onsite. Many people consider the fishing here at Ascarate to be the best fishing in the Southwest, with plenty of options to catch trout, catfish, and largemouth bass. You can also enjoy the lake by renting a canoe or pedal boat while here. There is a beautiful lakeside boardwalk to take advantage of, as well as a fully-equipped aquatic center, playgrounds, picnic facilities, and sports fields.
El Paso Zoo
Next head to the El Paso Zoo for the afternoon, the highly popular family-friendly zoological park located in central El Paso. This zoo features African, American, and Asian species, allowing guests to see such animals as the African Lion, Greater Kudu, American Alligator, Galapagos Tortoise, Asian Elephant, Malayan Tigers, and much more. There is a handful of critically endangered species within the zoo as well, such as the Amur Leopard and Aruba Rattlesnake. Be sure to save plenty of time to check out the newest exhibit, Chihuahuan Desert, featuring wild turkeys, peccaries, jackrabbits, thick-billed parrots, and an interactive ropes course.
El Paso Museum of History
End your day with a history lesson at the El Paso Museum of History, the local museum that presents information about the past 400 years of history in the United States/Mexico border region in over 16,000 feet of exhibit space. The museum features 5 galleries that analyze the history of border life 'via artifacts, narratives, photos, and videos', the museum existing for the educational benefit of the community and visitors.
2
San Jacinto Plaza
Day two begins with a visit to San Jacinto Plaza, the tranquil city plaza featuring green spaces, benches, shade trees, food options, public art, and much more within its confines, this area a highly popular gathering space for the community since it was first established in the 1880s. During your visit, you will see 16 different plaques of national, state, county, and local significance throughout the plaza area, as well as public art such as the fiberglass sculpture by Luis Jimenez that honors the city's colorful past.
El Paso Museum of Art
This museum is 'home to an inspiring collection of art from our region and beyond our border', the museum boasting galleries reflecting the area's American, Mexican, and European roots. It is the only accredited art museum within a 250-mile radius, serving over 100,000 visitors each year. The museum allows you to immerse yourself into the art with various special exhibits, permanent collections, and guided tours. The permanent collections hold over 7000 works and are split into European, Modern & Contemporary, Latin American, and American sections.
Western Playland
Your group is going to have a very fun evening at Western Playland, the locally-loved 30-acre family amusement park. Western Playland its technically in Sunland Park, New Mexico, today, it's original 1960s location moved from El Paso. The park features an old-school vibe with classic park concessions, rides, and games. With over '50 years of family fun tradition', it is easy to see why Western Playland is considered to be the #1 park in the southwest area.
3
Sunland Park Mall
For a nice retail therapy break head to the Sunland Park Mall, the enclosed regional mall in El Paso. Home to over 100 stores, this 2-level shopping center offers top retailers like Old Navy, Dillard's, and more. There is a store for every style inside! Enjoy a nice dinner at PF Chang's China Bistro, Olive Garden, Red Lobster, The Greenery Restaurant, or Cinemark Movie Bistro. The Cinemark Movie Bistro features 6 screens and in-theater dining, a popular new cinema concept sweeping the nation.
Franklin Mountains State Park
End your trip at Franklin Mountains State Park, the spot where your group can immerse yourselves into 'world-class geology, diverse plants and animals, and colorful human history', the over 24,000-acre high-desert mountain park the perfect place to learn, play, and simply enjoy the local scenery. Enjoy climbing, hiking, camping, geocaching, bird watching, picnicking, and more during your visit. There are over 100 miles of trails for hiking and biking, with an onsite park tour company, GeoBetty, available for more in-depth exploration. There are also various ranger-led programs you can take part in, such as guided hikes, bike rides, and art in the park activities.